Kawi2strokes.com Forum

I finally moved back to the mountains and need to buy a chainsaw. Back in the 70's when I lived in NH i had five saws, best was a Stihl, are they still the best?
Have been reading a few reviews and Husqvarna seems to rate well. Looking for a 16 to 18" gas powered saw that will be dependable.

My knowledge of chainsaws is limited, but about 8 or 10 years ago I wanted a light saw that could most the cutting involved with firewood. My old 20" Homelite was too heavy for waving around cutting little limbs. I bought a Stihl MS250 with a 16" bar and a Carlton full chisel chain. That saw has needed absolutely nothing but oil and gas. I don't think I've even cleaned or changed the spark plug. It starts reliably in sub-freezing weather or a summer day, immediately idles for as long as you want, and otherwise does everything it's supposed to.

The Carlton chain will cut through a nail and keep going, although I try to avoid nails. I've bought a couple more since then and use a bench-mount Tecomec chain grinder to keep the chains sharp. I've had the chain go through six cords of wood without having to sharpen it, although if the tree bark has dirt in it, the chain will need sharpening once or twice in that amount of cutting.

A friend swears by Jonsered saws, which I think are now the same as Husqvarna, made by Electrolux (not the US vacuum cleaner company) Husqvarna is sold in Lowe's, which may or may not mean there's been pressure to reduce cost/quality. I've heard Dolmar makes good saws.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Stihl all the way. Best saw made in my opinion.

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I Love the Smell of Blue Marble in the Morning!!!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA
Home of the Phoenix Project
Stay in it when it comes on the pipe, no need to be scared...

Back 20 years ago the Jonsered were considered the best by far but cost about 10X what a Stihl did.
I have no idea about now.
I have a small Stihl that I bought in 1985 and have run it really hard.
Have only changed the plug and sharpened / replaced the blade and it still starts easily and has plenty of power.
IMO, this is THE saw to buy for the money.
Not sure about the blade Jim mentioned but do know that the stock blades dull if you cut dirt.
They are easy to sharpen and last a long time when only cutting wood.

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There are only two types of motor sport racing:
Nitro and everything else
(Sometimes referred to as fast and slow)

I have been involved in small engine repair for years. I worked for a few Stihl dealers. Stihl is the best, but when they need parts NLA pops up left and right! I think this is done on purpose to push you to buy the latest and greatest they offer.

I have two Huskys. One is the 395xp which ran me around $1200. It drives a 36" bar like nothing! I usually keep the 20" bar on it. Very nice saw but only for big stuff. Very heavy and the drive sprocket is not the old star design which is common. It has a disc with notches to drive the chain. When dust, dirt or especially brush get in there they tend to throw the chain easily. Often leaving the chain non serviceable. This gets expensive.

The other is a 338xpt which cost about half at $600. This is my go to saw and gets used the most. It is a top handle tree saw. It is light and can be used with one hand. Very nice and very powerful for its size.

I also have a Stihl 050. That is a beast! Heavy but powerful.

My first saw is one I still own and think it is the best McCulloch made. It is a Timber Bear or also called the 610. 30 years old and still works great.

From what it sounds, you would probably be best with a Husky 455 Rancher. With any saw you get, use the shortest bar you can get away with as it really drags away power. Another to consider is the Husky 240. Cheap but decent for occasional use.

I love this site. Very useful
http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.nsf/G ... nd=124#124

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Crankshaft Testimonials viewtopic.php?f=25&t=7593

"Let's keep your crankshaft great!"

Stihl. I let the saw sit for months at a time and it starts right up, never causes problems and out cuts bigger saws all the time. Best saw ever!

It's hard to believe there have been over 150 brands of chainsaws produced over the years

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Crankshaft Testimonials viewtopic.php?f=25&t=7593

"Let's keep your crankshaft great!"

Still are the best but a Husky is a great saw for home use. I have a husky I got on the cheap last year and it's awesome.

I rock a 15 year old Shindaiwa/Echo that I bought new. Like Jim, it still has the original spark plug . I have been inside the carb a few times due to it sitting for 2-3 years at a time untouched with old gas in it.

I don't cut nearly as much wood as I used to since we no longer have a wood burning stove, but that little sucker has a lot of hard time on it and it fires right up and runs like a top. I've used it quite a bit the last couple of months around here.

I just picked up my Grandfathers old David Bradley that I plan on getting running when I find a spare second. He cut a LOT of wood with it as they had a wood fired boiler in their house for as long as I can remember.

I got a kick out of this thread I just found, that was started by a guy asking about the relative quality of Dolmar, Stihl, and Husky. Apparently it's similar to asking what the best oil is for a triple:

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/t ... ue.178672/

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.